Delbert Love scored seven points in Kennesaw's 12-2 opening run, but ETSU replied with an 11-3 run, tying it at 35 at halftime on a free throw by Riley. Kennesaw committed 17 fouls in the half and 28 in the game to ETSU's 20.

Nigel Pruitt's back-to-back treys put Kennesaw State up 43-39 in the second half, but the Buccaneers ripped an 11-1 run for a 55-52 lead, then pulled away.